Possum and Bear
Though her house was a fixer-upper,
The possum invited the bear to supper.
She laid her table with Queen Anne’s lace,
And a Red Rock bottle made a vase.
She served beans and greens and pickled beets,
And for dessert, sweet potato treats.
“How was it? she asked, lowering her eyes.
He smiled and made this reply:
“You’ve completely satisfied my hunger.
I wish we’d met when I was younger.”
—Mommy Goose: Rhymes from the Mountains written by Mike Norris
I first discovered Mike’s book of mountain rhymes back in 2016. I immediately bought a book for my great niece. Here’s what the University Press of Kentucky shares about the book.
“Playing hopscotch in the schoolyard or hide-and-seek in the woods, Appalachian children once recited traditional nursery rhymes from memory. As kids do, they frequently altered the original rhymes, making them even more colorful in the process.
In Mommy Goose: Rhymes from the Mountains, author Mike Norris honors this special piece of American heritage with a one-of-a-kind collection of fifty original nursery rhymes celebrating Appalachian tradition and speech. Illustrated with art-quality photographs of more than one hundred new hand-carved and -painted works by renowned folk artist Minnie Adkins, this enchanting book introduces readers of all ages to the whimsical world of Mommy Goose and shares her love of the rare music of Appalachian speech and of words in general.”
The rhymes are so delightful. When my grandsons get bigger I know they will greatly enjoy them and I can’t wait to share them with the boys. You can find your own copy of the book here.
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used copy of Mommy Goose: Rhymes from the Mountains written by Mike Norris. To be entered in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends November 10, 2024.
Last night’s video: Making a Historic Dessert Recipe for my Family – It is so Good!
Tipper
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I love books that have a rhyme and a reason!
Hello! I mistakenly posted twice on Nov. 9th!! I had trouble this weekend advancing to the current posts and didn’t realize my first comment had been posted. I was not trying to make extra comments to help my chances of winning! Hope you caught it in time, thanks!!!
Carol B.-no worries! Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
I do believe that book would lend me a smile…or a dozen!
Sounds like a delightful book. Enjoyed your video of making the egg custard. I have never made egg custard but you made it look easy. Think I’ll give it a try.
Such a treasure to share with little folks!!
I hope I am not too late to get in on the drawing. That may become my go to present for little ones I know.
Fun book for young and old!
My two year old grandson loves nursery rhymes. This sounds like a book he would really enjoy!
How have I never heard of this book? I’ve just found my new favorite baby gift to give. Can’t wait to read it to my own grand”youngins” one day.
Sounds like a treasure to read to little ones!
Iv always loved books. My husband travels for his job and I spend a lot of time at the beach. We are coming up on being married 50 years. Lord help me. But reading has always been my love .
Love to you all. I’m Carolyn from TN. Just had a bad back surgery. Thank the lord I’m getting better. My surgeon said I can go to the beach. My husband is taking me over thanksgiving. So we will enjoy thanksgiving in my favorite place and celebrate 50 years of marriage.
Oh for cute. My 9 year old daughter would be just tickled by this book!
This is great, even for adults!
I have to look for this book. I loved the rhyme.
Ed and Robert, Red Rock was a drink similar to ginger ale. I think I remember seeing it but I’m not sure. As a child, it seemed like anytime we got sick (virus) Mother would start giving us 7-Up ginger ale, or maybe Sprite, I don’t know how long it has been around. I do not drink 7-Up or Sprite because of being turned against them when I was sick. I do like to drink a cold Canada Dry ginger ale ever now and then. I don’t like any other brand.
I love this! When I first started to read it was rhymes that I was drawn to. I read them to my son when he was a little child. My great granddaughter’s second birthday is this month. This would be a great gift for her. I’m going to order one!
Oh I love this! We homeschool and do lots of poetry and memorization. This would be so sweet to add to our poetry pile. My kids would appreciate it as much as me! We recently found the picture book, Passing the Music Down. It is a true story about an elderly, renowned fiddle player mentoring a young player and teaching him the old songs. That younger man is still playing and winning all kinds of competitions now. I can’t remember their names but wouldn’t be surprised if you knew them! Would be a great book for your family!
As I’ve reported before, my Pa was born in Swain in ’94 and went to the Baptist Orphanage at Thomasville when he was 4. He was taught everything by rote and could recite more rhymes, poetry, rules for English and Math, geography facts, etc. than anyone I’ve ever known. He had a great mind.
One rhyme he repeated that I’ve never seen or heard spoken about by anyone is this: Onezo, twozo, zeezo, ziccazo, zam; bobtail penny-winker, tee, toe, tam. If there was anymore to it, I never learned it. I’m not sure how it was used but I’ve guessed it was sort of like one potato, two potato which is used to count people ‘out’.
If anyone has ever heard this, I’d be much obliged to learn what you know about it.
Aww, that’s adorable! I love children’s books and this one seems darling!
Oh I love this! would love to win the book to read to my 8 grand children!
Joanna
Love that rhyme. Too cute. Really enjoyed the video too. Love to all of you and Granny, too.
What a great little book; anyone with greats and grands would welcome adding this little treasure to their personal library. Something else to add to my want list ……
I have never heard of this book before, but it sounds so entertaining!
Tipper, do not include me in the drawing for today’s book or Barbara Woodall’s book. I have her book “ It’s Not My Mountain Any More” and have throughly enjoyed it. It is a book I reread from time to time. I did not take a chance of not winning her book you are giving away, I went ahead and bought me a copy off eBay. I have my fingers crossed, I sure would like to win Appalachian Values.
I don’t recall hearing about this. My mammaw read Little Golden books to us when we were young. I had some of those memorized before I could read them. What wonderful memories I have of Mammaw and growing up with those books!
Cute little rhyme, Possum and Bear!
I remember my Granny reading me nursery rhymes and poems. She taught me the poem “Bed In Summer” by Robert Louis Stevenson. I can still recite it from memory. I’ve never heard these rhymes by Mike Norris but they sound fun.
My mother used to sing “Oh where are you going, Billy Boy” to us. He was going to “see his wife” as I recall. I always felt bad when they got to the part that said,”She’s a young thing and cannot leave her mother!”
Where have you been Billy Boy, Billy Boy,
Oh where have you been charmin Billy?
I have been to see my wife, she’s the joy of my life,
She’s a young thing and cannot leave her mother.
From memory. Is that close?
Sweet poem!
What a wonderful book for you to read to your grandchildren! My Mother came from a large family of children starting out in East TN and how very much I loved them and miss them today. Mother and her sisters could recite so many precious poems that were a delight to me. My Mother could recite, even in her old age, “Froggie Went A Courting,” and I think I had mentioned in one of your old blogs if anyone knew it. I searched for sometime and finally found on google – English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians – Olive D. Campbell and Cecil J. Sharp. A Froghe A Courltry sang by Mrs. Tom Rice at Big Laurel, N.C. My Mother would start it like this: A froggie went a courting and he did ride, Ah huh, with a sword and a pistol by his side. On my scratched note, I had drawn a line under that last part and wrote The Southern Highlander & his Homeland. John C. Campbell 1921
I also loved Uncle Remus and Brier Rabbit. My Son was taking me out for supper last night and I started singing “Zip-A-D-Do-Da, and I’m sure you know the rest, especially: My Oh My What A Beautiful Day, Plenty of Sunshine Coming My Way. It brought smiles to our faces.
Don’t enter me for this as I don’t have any little ones and I would want it to go to a family of precious little ones.
I think my family would enjoy that sweet dish you made today and I love the fact that you were able to keep those dear little bowls.
I grew up with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and a few cousins reciting rhymes. Then in school there were more, but I don’t recall ever hearing that one.
I love rhymes and fairy tales and passing along my Appalachian heritage to my grand children!!
My mother sang some of the old rhymes to us when we were young. Old England figured prominently in them. The man in the moon came down too soon
And asked the way to Norwich.(pronounced Norrich)
He went to the South and burned his mouth
While eating cold plum porridge.
Good morning, Tipper! Poetry! Now there is something I love both to read, and to write. I love the rhythm of it! I’ll hope the book comes my way, lol. God’s blessings on us all, but especially Granny!
Tipper, I would love to get this book for my grandson. He loves books like this.
So sweet !!! What a wonderful little rhyme/ story !!!
This excerpt, Possum and Bear, made me smile as I read it. Sounds like a great book and another one to check out for gift giving especially to my niece’s three sweet little ones. Thank you for the give away opportunities.
Interesting
You got me with the “Red Rock” bottle! That stirred a dim memory, so dim I get no picture. But somehow I’m sure I used to see Red Rock. But it must have been when I was maybe 5 or 6. You can pass over me for the book and let it go to someone with small children or grandchildren as being the place it ought to be. We do not fit either. And Randy you showed me that though you never possessed the shotgun, you gained something else because of it that was worth more. That’s not to say I don’t understand the longings of a country boy for down home and manly things. I do. For me it was a carbide lamp like Dad’s. There was so much more meaning in it that just a light in darkness.
My son and grandkids had Mother Goose nursery rhymes memorized when they were small because I read the book to them so much. It was a favorite. I would love to introduce the great-grands to Mommy Goose Rhymes from the mountains!
I’ve always loved nursery rhymes and their origin’s. What a special treat.
When Rook gets older he’ll enjoy listening to these Appalachian nursery rhymes also! By the way, Rook is my great grandson!!
Everyone have a great day!
The poem reminded me of “Froggy Went A-Courtin’.”
I love this rhyme! I will have to get this book for my grand babies.
This book would be so interesting and fun!
This book sounds perfect for my 9 month old great niece. Her parents started reading to her very early. When I see a display of children’s books I can’t pass without checking them out, especially like the ones with wildlife characters. Tipper, you have brought so many great books to my attention. Thank you.
My niece by marriage has two young boys, one started kindergarten last year. He was already beginning to read and now his younger brother is doing the same. I am most proud of her teaching them about the Bible and Bible stories. They are beginning to know and tell you more about the Bible than some adults. Their mother works with young special needs children at a school.
How delightful! I grew up on Uncle Remus Tales and this has a similar feel. I would love to win a copy for my granddaughters but I just might have to get a copy for myself!
I love the poem. I have 17 Grands and two new greatgrands. I would love reading this to them. Thank you for your giveaways.
I don’t think we are ever too old to enjoy nursery rhymes and kid’s books. I’m not familiar with the mountain version of rhymes.
I’m thankful that everyday I get to read your daily post. What great commitment/dedication you’ve made to daily put something out for us to read or listen to.
I would love to have one of these for my grandson who’s due in just a few weeks! I had no idea there was such a thing for Appalachian kids
I’m high near 75 and still have my childhood Mother Goose nursery rhymes book. Sounds delightful!
This “Mommy Goose” rhyme made me giggle! Would love to read the rest of the book.
Love the nursery rhyme!! What a wonderful book to own. Thanks for sharing!
I like regional rhymes and slogans. I still remember many from my younger days, and some I haven’t heard since.
What a great book for kids of any age! Thanks for the introduction.
What a fun addition to any home library. My grandbabies would enjoy it.
I have an 18 month old great granddaughter ID love to read that book to. She had a heart transplant in September and is doing well.
The book sounds delightful. I’m so thankful that my mother and paternal grandmother read to me. My maternal grandmother didn’t, but she kept me well supplied with books.
I really enjoyed today’s reading. Blessings to all.
What a cute and precious book that I would love to have for my book loving great niece. Thank you Tipper for your generosity. I sure enjoy starting everyday with you and your family first thing every morning!
Our grands would love the book!
My 3 great grandchildren would love to have this Mommy Goose book
Love this.
Oh! I’m so glad the opossum wasn’t the bear’s dessert! So thankful the poem had a happy ending!
Cute little rhyme. I really enjoyed the custard video. Was it just as good cold? I have a little tip for you,set the baking dish on the open door of the oven and then fill the dish with the hot water. You wont have to carry it so far. I have done that when making cheesecake,makes it a little easier.
Debbie-it was good cold too 🙂
Would love to read this to my grandchildren!
Tipper, I love your blog. Yesterday at my bookclub, we talked about a modern book set in Redding, UK populated by Nursery Rhyme characters. Thank you so much for introducing me to Mike Norris and his Appalachian Nursery Rhyme characters.
What a sweet book. My grandchildren are older now, but I have a precious great granddaughter I love reading to. Thank you for sharing.
These rhymes sounds very cute to share with kids.
Oh I’d love to read more of Mommy Goose’s rhymes. Sounds delightful !
That was delightful. What imagrey!
I think the poem is so sweet and light hearted.
I love children’s books and would like having a copy of this one. Thank you for sharing it.
I had never heard that rhyme before. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed that comment by Randy sharing the store about the shotgun. I can soooo relate!
I remember using rhymes when I skipped rope…such wonderful memories. Would love to have a copy of the mountain version.
thanks for your daily dose of mountain life
Carolyn
My children would love those rhymes! I may have to get a copy if I don’t win one ; )
Thanks, Tipper for the adorable rhyme to start our day!
I don’t have children or grandchildren, but I do love poetry, our beautiful mountains and the rich heritage, and I love to read. Would treasure a copy of this book. ❤️
What in the world is a Red Rock?
Something you throw at a rabbit? 🙂
Ed-it’s a soda/cola drink in a bottle!
Yet another book to add to my “Find” list. I also keep a list of books mentioned here. It’s fun to go to book, yard or estate sales and find one.
My children and all of my grandchildren have always enjoyed being read to. My oldest grandchild (13) reads all the time, and often hints for books for birthday and Christmas gifts when I ask her what she likes. Her daddy read her passages from large, chapter books at bedtime from a very young age. It was always their nighttime routine. Our youngest is only 1 1/2, and he loves to climb up on Grammy’s or Pap’s lap with a book in his hand for us to read. It’s amazing how long a little one will sit and listen to books read aloud. Your grandsons are gonna love it too!
Thanks for sharing Tipper!
My favorite poems are those that rhyme. Not long ago we had our grandsons over for supper. I had made my meatloaf and the sides were mashed potatoes and green peas. Not sure what triggered it but I just spouted out a poem I had tucked back in my memory. They all looked at me and just broke out laughing. Even my wife as she said I had never recited it before. Here it is.
I eat me peas with honey. I’ve done it all my life.
It makes me peas taste funny. But it keeps them on my knife.
This would be a perfect book to add to the little library I have for the grand babies.
My grandchildren would love this book. What a treasure!
Enjoy watching you and your daily lives. That dessert look delicious last night. Thank you.
That was a very cute rhyme. thanks for sharing.
I love reading traditional stories to my grandchildren, it is one of our special traditions when they come to visit their Mimi and Papaw!! I know you love having your children and grandchildren so close
I love nursery rhymes and I remember most all of the classic ones. I would love to read the Rhymes from the Mountains.
Oh my! I’ve never heard of this book but I would love a copy for my boys!
Would love to have this book. Thanks for sharing.
I loved reading old nursery rhymes and stories to my grandchildren. My oldest grandson loved The Elves and the Shoemaker. He just turned 20! We still talk about those stories from time to time. ☺️
How delightful! I would love to read this not only to my grandchildren but for myself as well. I try to keep a list of books you suggest and then see if our library can get them. Once I read it I make the decision on whether or not to purchase it. I have purchased many books you have recommended. One of my favorites is Alex Stewart Portrait of a Pioneer. You suggest so many wonderful books I would never know about otherwise. Thank you!
That sounds like a very interesting book. I have never heard of it.
I enjoyed your egg custard video, it sounds a lot like creme brulee, I think I will try to make it.
I don’t have anything to say about today’s book. Last night I was rereading yesterday’s comments and Robert Hutchins comment about a 12ga. double barrel Ithaca shotgun brought back a lifetime memory to me. When I was about 12 years, I had begun to go bird (quail) hunting with my best friend and his daddy. I had a no name 16ga single barrel shotgun that was chocked tighter than Dick’s hatband to hunt with. In my community the owner of a country store traded in used guns, he had a used 12ga. Ithaca double barrel shotgun with 26 inch barrels probably chocked improved cylinder and modified (a true bird gun):that I wanted as bad as anything I have ever wanted in my life. Anytime I went into the store, I would go straight to where it was and hold it in my hands, it has such a good feel to it, just like you couldn’t miss with it. The price was $55, an amount that was as unattainable to me or my Daddy for that matter as 55 thousand dollars would be today for a gun. Even though it has been almost 60 years ago, I still think about that gun and how bad I wanted it, seems like I can still feel it in my hands. Mr. Southern, the store owner never said one word to me about not touching or holding that gun even though he knew there was no way I could buy it.
I sure enjoy the stories that you share about your life and the wonderful memories you hold dear to your heart.
Randy, I think you described my Pa’s Ithaca perfectly except it’s too old to be described as having an improved cylinder bore. The barrel is, indeed, 26 inches and is the finest bird gun I’ve ever hunted with. It is great for covey rises but not so good doves.
Robert, this gun was not as old as the one you wrote about, it was probably made in the late 30’s or 40’s before the pumps or semi automatic became more popular. I don’t remember if it was you or Gene that mentioned Damascus or twist steel barrels (similar but not the same) and not being able to shoot these guns with today’s shells. Now low pressure shells are available and are perfectly safe to shoot in these guns. Some of these older guns also had a shorter chamber than today’s standard chamber of 2 3/4 inches. Shells are also available for them. You will probably have to buy them online from some of these specialty gun supply shops such as Natchez supply.